Jerry Dean Howard “went home to be with his Lord and Savior” on Oct. 3, 2016.
Born and raised in Great Falls in 1945, Jerry moved to Columbia Falls in 1971.
Jerry has been a very active member of the communities of the Flathead Valley. He has worked with the Special Friends Organization, taking clients on excursions to shop and recreate. In 1992, Jerry organized the first “Fishing Without Barriers” on Flathead Lake with assistance of Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and charter boat captains on Flathead Lake. Over the years Jerry has helped thousands of handicapped children and adults experience the excitement of catching their first fish through the Crossing the Barriers organization. Jerry had fundraised to build wheelchair accessible fishing landings and hunting blinds.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 46 years, Ilene Howard, daughter Jan (Michael) Mader of Great Falls, sons Jim (Katey) Landis of Victor and Frank (Karen) Landis of Columbia Falls, and Katie Landis of Bonners Ferry, Idaho. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren include Carrie (Jason) Matthews, Kristin (Brian) Tayettin, Broedynn Brodzinski, Allistair Landis and Kimberly (Trent) Oliver.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 29 at First Baptist Church in Whitefish.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Fishing Without Barriers; contact John Fraley at Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks, 490 North Meridian Road Kalispell, MT 406-752- 5501.
Friends are encouraged to visit the website, www.buffalohillfh.com , to leave notes of condolence for the family. Buffalo Hill Funeral Home and Crematory is caring for the family